The 44-year-old singer’s newly announced British gigs in Earl’s Court, London on August 24 and 25, will be his swan song.

Says a close friend: “George wants to concentrate on other projects such as writing, recording and producing.

“He will sing live again, obviously, but just not as part of a major arena tour.

“He has been on a European tour since 2006 and will shortly begin a 22-date American tour.

“So he’s been doing a lot of travelling over the past year or so and feels that, after the Earl’s Court concerts, that will be it.”

The former Wham! front man, who recently performed live to a standing ovation at the American Idol final, has sold
more 65 million records worldwide, including 12 number one British singles.

He previously took a 15-year break from touring in 1991.

Earlier this year he signed a “no holds barred” multi-million pound contract with HarperCollins for an autobiography which he is to write “entirely himself”.